MLB Standings: Red Sox back in first, Cubs holding on

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CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 06: Willson Contreras (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

National League Central

Chicago Cubs (58-52, .527, – GB)

Last Week: 1-2 vs. Diamondbacks, 1-2 vs. Nationals

Home Record: 29-26
Road Record: 29-26
Runs Scored: 521
Runs Allowed: 482
Run Differential: +39
Streak: Lost 1
Last 10: 5-5

Milwaukee Brewers (59-54, .522, 0.5 GB)

Last Week: 2-1 vs. Cardinals, 201 at Rays

Home Record: 31-27
Road Record: 28-27
Runs Scored: 522
Runs Allowed: 494
Run Differential: +28
Streak: Lost 1
Last 10: 5-5

St. Louis Cardinals (55-56, .495, 3.5 GB)

Last Week: 1-2 at Brewers, 2-1 at Reds

Home Record: 31-26
Road Record: 24-30
Runs Scored: 496
Runs Allowed: 462
Run Differential: +34
Streak: Won 2
Last 10: 5-5

Pittsburgh Pirates (54-57, .486, 4.5 GB)

Last Week: 1-2 vs. Reds, 2-1 vs. Padres

Home Record: 30-26
Road Record: 24-31
Runs Scored: 472
Runs Allowed: 499
Run Differential: -27
Streak: Won 1
Last 10: 4-6

Cincinnati Reds (45-66, .405, 13.5 GB)

Last Week: 2-1 at Pirates, 1-2 vs. Cardinals

Home Record: 26-30
Road Record: 19-36
Runs Scored: 500
Runs Allowed: 604
Run Differential: -104
Streak: Lost 2
Last 10: 4-6

Despite pitching much better in recent weeks and getting a few key performances at the plate, the Cubs still haven’t pulled away in the NL Central. Jake Arrieta continued his great work from July by allowing just two runs (one earned) in seven innings in his first start in August, but run support lagged and Arietta was tagged with the loss in a 3-0 decision against the Diamondbacks, which began a stretch of four losses in five games for the club.

Catcher Willson Contreras has certainly been doing his part on offense, however. In six games last week, Contreras hit five homers (tied with Joey Gallo for the MLB lead last week) and amassed a league-best 13 RBI. Contreras his .455/.478/1.182 with 10 hits and six runs scored.

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